Hosts Germany fully exploited home advantage in the European Team Squash Championships in Nürnberg by securing unexpected semi-final berths in both the men's and women's events of the 40th staging of the European Squash Federation event at the Sportpark Nord.

The hosts, certain to achieve their best finish since 2008, will now meet France for a place in the final. The second seeds, runners-up for the past four years, beat Scotland 4/0 and Italy 3/1 to finish as expected Pool B winners.

But Scotland went on to beat Finland 3/1 to finish in second place - putting the sixth seeds through to an unpredicted semi-final, where they will face England. The plucky Scots, led by world No28 Alan Clyne, are already sure to celebrate their best finish since 1999!

Sixth seeds in the women's event, Germany scored one of the best results of the day by beating second seeds Netherlands 2/1. The Dutch side took the lead through Natalie Grinham, but Jennifer Hathway struck back to draw level, then Franziska Hennes produced the performance of her life to fight back from 2/0 to beat Milja Dorenbos 6-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 to clinch a crucial victory for the hosts.

Germany went on to defeat Switzerland 2/1 to finish in second place in Pool B - and will now meet title-holders England in the semi-finals.